Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe (VIDEO)
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Good recipes travel fast and this creamy broccoli salad is one of them! It literally has only 4 ingredients with a 3-ingredient honey lemon dressing that coats every delicious bite. It comes together quickly and is perfect for parties or dinner time. You will make this creamy broccoli salad again and again. Broccoli and cauliflower never tasted so good!
Funny story – my sister stopped by recently and was going on and on about a fantastic salad she tried at her Mother-in-laws dinner and when she asked for the recipe, come to find out, it was this very salad which made me smile big! This recipe always gets glowing reviews. Click here to see what people are saying about this salad.
Make sure to watch the quick video recipe if you want to see broccoli falling from the sky….
Watch How to Make Creamy Broccoli Salad:
Crisp, crunchy, chewy, and delicious! Well, my mouth is watering. How about you?? I’d pass some to you if I could. I really want you to discover this creamy broccoli salad!
Shortcut: I love my food chopper for chopping the broccoli and cauliflower – it makes this job way easier – like Wam Bam!
⬇️ Print-Friendly Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe:
Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe (VIDEO)
Ingredients
- 1 medium broccoli head
- 1 medium cauliflower head
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries craisins
- 1/2 cup almond slices toasted on a dry skillet until golden
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice from 1 small lemon
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise
Instructions
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Peel the the broccoli stem and chop off the dry base. Chop broccoli into small florets and dice the stem.
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Remove and discard cauliflower core and dice the rest.
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Toast 1/2 cup almonds on a dry skillet over med/high heat, tossing frequently until fragrant and golden, then add to salad bowl along with 3/4 cup craisins.
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In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayo, 2 Tbsp honey and 2 Tbsp lemon juice. Add dressing to the salad and toss well to combine.
Recipe Notes
*Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference - when you only have 3 ingredients in the dressing, each one really counts.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
This creamy broccoli salad has SO MUCH FLAVOR! Make this for your next party and you will likely get recipe requests – just like my sister’s Mother-in-law (story above). ⬆️
Have a delicious week my friends ?
Natasha Kravchuk
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
The only way mine turned out as creamy as it looks in the picture (and tasted as delicious as you made it sound) was if I doubled the dressing recipe. Otherwise there was hardly enough to coat everything. My head of broccoli WAS a bit larger than what was used in the video though.
Thank you for sharing that, Evy! We didn’t double it four ours, but I imagine if more ingredients were used, like the larger broccoli, that could be the case.
I have loved nearly everything I’ve ever tried from Natasha’s Kitchen. Unfortunately, I didn’t have luck with this one. I think for me, it came down to the dressing–just not a huge fan of the mayo, maybe?
Did you possibly change anything in the ingredients or measurements? If you don’t like mayo-based dressings, I would suggest trying one of our other salads without mayo.
I don’t think I changed anything—or if I did, it wasn’t intentional. Maybe I used bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? I can’t totally remember, though! Anyway, maybe I ought to give it another go. Your website is my go-to for recipes!
Do you need to make the dressing ahead of time? I have a similar receipt that calls for more mayo and sugar but I like yours better since it is much less of mayo and honey instead of sugar. With the salad I’m used to making, you have to mix dressing ahead of time so flavors can mingle.
Hi Sandra, you don’t have to make the dressing ahead of time but you can if you choose to.
Hey Natasha broccoli and cauliflower don’t need a brew before?
They do not! We just give them a good rinse and enjoy it fresh
What can you substitute the honey with?
Hi Dorothy, I would add sugar to taste instead of honey.
Hey Natasha and Dorothy, Try maple syrup!
Thanks for the tip!
This is delicious
I bought honey roasted sliced almonds instead for even more flavor! Loved this
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
I couldn’t find the nutrition info
Hi Vanessa, we are slowly working through all of our recipes to add nutrition info but it is a time consuming process as they have to be added one at a time. Thank you for being patient!
Hi Natasha,
The broccoli and cauliflower are raw ,no need to blanch them?
Thank you
Hi Dorothy! We like it fresh but our readers have tried it branch “I blanched the broccoli and cauliflower and added bacon… it was still crisp and delicious!! Thank you for the recipe!” I hope this helps!
This is my favorite broccoli salad recipe! It’s so easy and so tasty. I’ve made it with and without cauliflower and I’ve also added red onions and it’s always great because I don’t mess with the excellent simple dressing. Thank you for sharing this revipe
My pleasure, Leonor!! I’m so happy you enjoyed that! Sounds like you found a new favorite!
What can you sub for craisins or cranberries??
Hi Janie, you could use raisins instead of craisins or dried cherries would work as well.
My SIL turned me onto this salad years ago and it always is a healthy winner at gatherings. I add crumbled bacon, slivered carrot, rinsed red beans and small-cubes of sharp cheddar. It is very versatile.
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Martin!
people are saying they forgot to add the apples…..I don’t see no where in the recipe that says add apples….what’s up with that
Hi Linda, i think they are referring to our other broccoli salad with apples.
Hi Natasha, I love the Broccoli/Apple salad & would like to try a combo of that one with this one, adding grapes. I hope you don’t mind, but I will let you know how it turns out. I will also be making it with Veganaise, toasted almond slices & pine nuts. I will stick with the honey lemon vegan mayo dressing. Making it for Easter dinner tomorrow! Have a blessed Easter to you and your family!
Wow that sounds amazing!! Let me know how it goes and you have a blessed Easter as well!
Well Natasha, this combo of your 2 salads was a huge hit! Both my Aunt and one of my cousins put some away for this week and I will have enough left over as well! I doubled the amount of broccoli and cauliflower (there were 20 of us for dinner), forgot the apples, but it still made a lot! I have extra dressing too, which I’m sure goes well with any kind of salad. Raves overall! Everyone especially commented on the tasty tangy dressing too! Thanks again for your healthy and delicious recipes.
My pleasure Janet! I’m happy to hear the whole family enjoys this recipe. Thanks for sharing your excellent review!
It was good. Maybe not as amazing as expected but I did like the dressing and cranberry/almonds in the salad! Very interesting🖒
This salad is so delicious! Thank you for showing it with almonds as I’m not a huge fan of pine nuts.
Made it today for lunch and can’t wait to have it again tomorrow!
My pleasure Meagan! I’m happy to hear how much you love the recipe. Thanks for sharing your fantastic review!
Natasha, thank you for the recipe. My husband hates broccoli and cranberries but he liked the salad very much asking me to make it again. Our small kids liked it too. It is really easy and very tasty. Thank you!
You’re welcome Jitka! I’m happy to hear your whole family loves this recipe. Thanks for sharing your wonderful review!
This was soooo good and easy! Thank you for the recipe!
It’s five stars-
It’s five stars..not 2
You’re welcome Kim! I’m glad you enjoy it!
Would you share the nutritional information please? I count Net Carbs.
Due to time constraints, I don’t typically include nutritional info, but check out this nutrition analyzer – you can plug in the ingredients from any recipe, select the serving size and it will give you nutritional info, calories, etc. I hope that is helpful to you Susan!
Hi Natasha,
Do the broccoli and the cauliflower need to be parboil first or they can be eaten raw?
Hi May, we always eat them raw. We love the crunch that it gives this salad.
I made this wonderful salad and took it fo work for lunch two days straight. It’s awesome and better the second day.
I’m glad to hear that Teresa! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Thank you for the recipe👍,it was sooooo delicious.i love watching your videos too,they’re so informative and interesting and you’re so inspiring.how many days can this salad last? i hope you’ll continue making fabulous salad recipes.
Hi Krish, I haven’t tested the limits on this salad, but leftovers tasted great the next day!
Can you substitute miracle whip for the mayo? I am trying to make it dairy free.
Hi Heidi, if you like the taste of miracle whip, I think it would be a good experiment. It wouldn’t quite have the same flavor profile but I think you could make it work 🙂
What about substituting plain yogurt for the mayo?
Hi Kriste, I haven’t tried that substitution but I think you could make it work, although it will change the flavor profile and you may need a little more honey to offset the added tanginess from the plain yogurt
I typically buy mayo with olive oil in it, can I use that or just stick with what the recipe calls for?
Hi Kim, an olive oil based mayo should still work ok – it has a slightly different flavor profile but I do think it will still work.
Won’t the almonds get soggy? Or should I add just prior to serving? I want to make for my BBQ next week.
Hi Lisa, the almonds won’t get soggy. I’ve never really had almonds get soggy on me – they aren’t as crispy the next day if there are leftovers but they never really get soggy. Toasting them also helps and you can absolutely add them as garnish just before serving if you prefer them very crispy 🙂
Thanks for replying – maybe toasting them does the trick. I will definitely make this salad next week. I love your recipes btw. Keep up the great job.
My pleasure Lisa! Thanks for following 🙂
I blanched the broccoli and cauliflower and added bacon… it was still crisp and delicious!! Thank you for the recipe!
My pleasure Lou Ann! YUM, I’m glad to hear you love the recipe! Thanks for sharing your great review!
Hi Natasha, can this be made one day ahead?
Hi Ruslana, I have made it ahead with good results. I hope you love it! 🙂
I would love to take this for my lunch during the week does it get soggy after a day?
Hi Benita, there aren’t any ingredients in this that would cause it to get soggy. Leftovers of this salad still taste great the following day 🙂
This salad was absolutely delicious! And soooo easy😁 I will admit I added a little crumbled bacon…..
Bacon does make everything better! 😀 I’m happy to hear you love the recipe Robin, thanks for sharing!
Love this recipe! What can I substitute the almonds with? I want to make it for work, but I have coworkers allergic to nuts. Thank you!
Hi Ana, I would suggest toasted pumpkin seeds.
This will be perfect for our summer potlucks! I have it on my must try list! Thanks for the recipe, Natasha!
You’re welcome Michelle! Please let me know what you think of the recipe!
Any idea how many cups of broccoli and cauliflower? I buy these veggies in a bag at Costco.
I did not measure it that way but I would guess it is about 3 1/2 to 4 cups of each.
What would think of replacing mayo with you yogurt? Just curious.
Hi Sharon, I haven’t tried that substitution but I think it would work, although it will change the flavor profile a little bit and you may need a little more honey to offset the added tanginess from the plain yogurt 🙂
Como limpias el brócoli y la coliflor porque las preparas crudas verdad???
Nancy, If I understand correctly, broccoli and cauliflower are washed before cutting them.
Is the broccoli and cauliflower cooked?
Hi Stefany, they are both raw and add a wonderful crisp texture to the salad. I hope you love it! 🙂
Delicious salad loved every bite! Thanks Natasha for this wonderful recipe, I like how simple the ingredients are but the end result is fantastic. Will be bringing it to a church gathering.
You’re welcome! Thanks for sharing your wonderful review!
You’re like the queen of salads, Natasha! You always come up with creative and delicious ways of eating them!
Aww, you’re so sweet Belle! I’m happy you enjoy my salad recipes so much! 🙂
I made this twice cause the 1st time I think I put too much of those cranraisian. Not gonna lie but I didn’t like the taste. I think the broccoli and grape salad beats it 🙂
Hi Olga, I do love the grape one also, but then I do love them both! 🙂
Is this low carb. I am a diabetic.
Thanks
Hi Rachel, it is fairly low carb except for the honey, although honey doesn’t spike your blood sugar the way processed sugars do. I haven’t experimented with artificial sweeteners but that may be a good option. Has anyone else tried with artificial sweeteners? Thanks in advance! 🙂
Looks like the perfect thing I need to make for a pot luck reunion. I’m sure everyone will love this. I have made a similar cauliflower and grape salad with mustard, mayo and sugar dressing.
It really is a delicious salad! Please let me know what you think of the recipe!
Can this salad be made up a day ahead of time or is it best to make it up right before eaten?
Leftovers of the salad still taste great so it would work either way. You can also chop everything the day before and combine with dressing the day you are serving. it will work either way. There isn’t anything in this salad that would wilt if made a day ahead.
Didn’t have enough broccoli and cauliflower so I added a can of drained mandarin oranges and lemon zest. Very good!
Yum! That sounds delcious Sherry! Thanks for sharing!
This was so good i think i ate 1/2 before even serving the family. Just so refreshing & sooooo easy to make. THANK YOU
LOL 😀 You’re welcome Diane! I’m happy to hear you love the recipe so much!
No salt and pepper?
Bea, there is no need for either one in this recipe 😬
How long does this dressing last in the fridge. I am only one person that will eat it. So I need to know after how many days will it keep?
Hi Sue, the dressing will keep very well covered in the refrigerator 3-5 days.
Best creamy salad recipe i have ever found. I tried it this morning and the result was delicious. thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome Amber! Thanks for sharing your incredible review! 🙂
What do you think about substituting mayo with plain Greek yogurt?
Hi Stephanie, I think you could make that work for a healthier dressing but keep in mind the dressing would be more tangy so you might have to add a little more honey to balance it.
Made this salad at home one time and the next day made another one for my moms house and everyone absolutely loved it! Definitely going to make this salad again. Love how it has simple ingredients but tastes so good😋
That’s great Tatyana! Thanks for sharing your amazing review! 😀
I have a similar recipe that has bacon in it, too. Always a family favorite at get togethers!
That’s a great addition Kathleen! Thanks for sharing 🙂
What would happen if you substituted Greek Yogurt?
Hi Wendy, I think that would work for a healthier dressing but the overall salad would have a more tangy flavor so you might have to add a little more honey to balance it.
This salad is also reallly good with real bacon crumbles. Not as healthy, but yummmm.
Everything is better with bacon! Thanks for sharing Karen 🙂
I am allergic to lemon, can I substitute with white vinegar like I do when I make coleslaw dressing?
Hi Rosita, yes that should work fine, but add it to taste and you may need slightly more honey to balance the flavors of the dressing. I hope you love it! 🙂
What a wonderful healthy salad!!! All the ingredients in this that I enjoy!!
It really is! Thanks for sharing Sandra 🙂
Thanks for sharing your recipe. Wondering if blanching the broccoli and cauli could be blanched first or not
bother?
Hi Wendy, I would recommend just serving them raw or you would lose that desirable crunch in the salad 🙂
Do you think you could substitute the honey for something else?
Hi Ann, I think sugar would work fine but I haven’t tested it with any artificial sweeteners to see if it would alter the flavor too much. Since there is not much sweetness in this salad naturally, there should be some sweetness in the dressing to balance it out.
Thank you. I cannot wait to try it. Heading to the store in a few minutes, LOL.
You’re welcome Ann!
I have a recipe for a very similar salad
and it calls for sugar and vinegar. So something sweet and something sour.
Oh dear ! I feel almost like being at home here ! You do so great things an this is another creation to do ! Thank you so much !
Thank you for writing in! I’m so glad you feel at home here 🙂 I hope you love the salad!
Natasha, I love your site! So many wonderful recipes. I used the food chopper you recommended- I went through 3 of them because they kept breaking, and they could very barely do onions. Then I bought another chopper and it’s like night and day, none of the problem I had with the first one, and chopping is an easy pleasure now! Maybe you’ll try it out and like it: (link here)
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my blog and recipes 🙂 Thank you for sharing that with me! I’ll definitely check it out!! 🙂
I’ve made this salad several times in the past and it’s delicious. You just reminded me to make some more again.
That’s so great!! I’m so glad you love it 🙂
This looks amazing!!
It really is so easy and delicious! Let me know what you think Sara!
Do you think making this with vegan mayonnaise in lieu of regular mayonnaise will work ok with this recipe?
Hi Karin, I haven’t tried that but I think that would work fine. I hope you love it!
Can’t wait to try this recipe! I’ve never tried broccoli with cauliflower and dried cranberries. It sounds like a good combination. Also, I hope that the new recipe will be some kind of dessert. Thanks! 😉
My pleasure Olga! Please let me know what you think of the recipe!
Looks very delicious. I love salads with cauliflower. I’ll have to give this one a try.
It is fantastic Julie! Please let me know what you think of the recipe!